Oh my gosh, you have to try these air fryer cherry danishes! I was craving something sweet the other morning but didn’t want to fuss with the oven – you know how it is. That’s when I remembered my trusty air fryer sitting on the counter. Fifteen minutes later? Flaky, golden pastries filled with creamy cheesecake goodness and tart cherry filling were cooling on my rack. The smell alone was worth it! What I love most is how these taste just like bakery-quality danishes but come together with barely any effort. Store-bought puff pastry does all the hard work while the air fryer gives that perfect crispness we all adore. My family now begs for these every weekend!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cherry Danishes
Let me tell you why these danishes are about to become your new obsession:
- Quick magic: From fridge to plate in under 30 minutes – no waiting for dough to rise or oven to preheat!
- That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives puff pastry this incredible flaky texture that’ll make you close your eyes and sigh.
- Sweet-tangy bliss: Creamy cheesecake filling balances the tart cherry jam so beautifully – it’s like they were made for each other.
- No bakery run needed: Seriously, these taste like they came from a fancy pastry shop but cost pennies to make at home.
- Weekend vibes: That warm pastry smell filling your kitchen? Pure happiness in breakfast form.
Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Cherry Danishes
Here’s what you’ll need to make these heavenly pastries – I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have:
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed but still cold – trust me, this makes all the difference)
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling (the good kind with whole cherries, not just gloop!)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened – leave it out for 30 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds)
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (sifted if you’re fancy, dumped in if you’re me)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (the real stuff, not imitation – we’re not animals!)
- 1 egg (beaten with a fork for that gorgeous golden egg wash)
See? Nothing crazy! Just pantry staples that transform into something magical in the air fryer.
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these danishes! Just grab:
- Your trusty air fryer (of course!)
- A small mixing bowl for the cream cheese filling
- A pastry brush for that golden egg wash
- A sharp knife or pizza cutter for slicing the pastry
That’s it! No special tools required – just basic kitchen essentials you probably already have.
How to Make Air Fryer Cherry Danishes
Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making these beauties! I promise it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps and you’ll be biting into flaky, cherry-filled perfection in no time.
Step 1: Prep the Pastry
First, unroll that puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Don’t go crazy with the flour – just enough so it doesn’t stick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 4 equal squares. Pro tip: If the pastry gets too warm, pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes. Cold pastry equals flaky layers!
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
Now for the creamy magic! In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. No lumps allowed! I like to use a fork for this – it’s easier to clean than a mixer. Taste it (you know you want to) and add a pinch more sugar if you like it sweeter.
Step 3: Assemble the Danishes
Here’s where the fun begins. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture onto each pastry square, leaving about a 1/2-inch border all around. Then spoon about 2 teaspoons of cherry filling right on top. Gently fold the corners toward the center – don’t press too hard or they won’t puff properly. A light pinch is all you need!
Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Preheat that air fryer to 350°F – this is crucial for even cooking! Brush each danish with egg wash (this gives them that gorgeous golden color). Carefully place them in the basket, leaving space between each one. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, but peek at 8 minutes – all air fryers run a bit different. You want them golden brown and puffed up like little pastry clouds!
Let them cool just a minute before devouring. That cherry filling gets lava-hot – trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way!
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Cherry Danishes
After making dozens (okay, maybe hundreds) of these danishes, I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll guarantee perfect results every time:
- Don’t overstuff! That cherry filling will bubble over if you get greedy – stick to about 2 teaspoons per danish.
- Egg wash is non-negotiable – it gives that gorgeous golden sheen we all love on bakery pastries.
- Peek early! All air fryers run differently – start checking at 8 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Keep pastry cold – if it gets too warm while assembling, pop it in the fridge for 5 minutes before air frying.
- Space them out – overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and sad, soggy danishes.
Follow these simple tips and you’ll be a danish-making pro in no time!
Variations and Substitutions
Oh, the possibilities! While I adore the classic cherry version, here are some delicious twists I’ve tried:
- Fruit swaps: Blueberry pie filling is heavenly, or try apple with a dash of cinnamon – tastes like mini apple pies!
- Cream cheese alternatives: Greek yogurt works in a pinch (drain it first), or ricotta for a lighter texture.
- Flavor boosts: Add 1/4 tsp almond extract to the filling – it pairs magically with cherries.
- Savory option: Skip the sugar, mix cream cheese with herbs, and top with sundried tomatoes – amazing brunch twist!
The beauty? You can’t really mess these up – just have fun experimenting!
Serving and Storing Air Fryer Cherry Danishes
Oh, you’ll want to eat these beauties warm – that’s when the pastry is at its flakiest and the filling is just gooey enough! I always dust mine with a snowy shower of powdered sugar right before serving. For extra decadence, drizzle with vanilla glaze or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
Leftovers? (As if!) Store any uneaten danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for 2-3 minutes – they’ll taste nearly fresh-baked again!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s be real – we’re not eating danishes for their health benefits! But here’s the scoop on what’s in each flaky bite (values are estimates and will vary based on your exact ingredients):
- Calories: About 320 per danish
- Sugar: 18g (mostly from that delicious cherry filling)
- Fat: 20g (thank puff pastry for that flaky goodness)
- Protein: 5g (cream cheese to the rescue!)
My philosophy? Everything in moderation – including moderation! These are totally worth the occasional indulgence.
FAQ About Air Fryer Cherry Danishes
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the things people ask me most about making these heavenly cherry danishes:
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Absolutely! Pit and chop about 1 cup fresh cherries, then simmer with 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp cornstarch until thickened. Let it cool before using – you’ll need about 1/4 cup for every danish.
Why did my pastry get soggy?
Three likely culprits: 1) Overfilling (stick to 2 tsp max!), 2) Not preheating the air fryer (that initial blast of heat is crucial), or 3) Overcrowding the basket (give them space to breathe!).
Can I make these ahead?
You bet! Assemble the danishes (without egg wash) and freeze them raw on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a bag. When ready, brush with egg wash and add 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
My danishes didn’t puff – what went wrong?
Probably warm pastry! Keep everything cold – if the butter in the pastry melts before cooking, you lose those flaky layers. Work quickly and chill if needed.
Now go make some magic happen in your air fryer! Snap a pic of your beautiful danishes and tag me – I’d love to see your creations!
Print
Irresistible Air Fryer Cherry Danishes in 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 danishes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make flaky, delicious cherry danishes at home using your air fryer. These pastries are quick to prepare and perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- 1/2 cup cherry pie filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out puff pastry and cut into 4 squares.
- Mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a bowl.
- Spread cream cheese mixture onto each pastry square, leaving edges clear.
- Spoon cherry pie filling over cream cheese.
- Fold pastry corners over the filling, pressing lightly to seal.
- Brush with egg wash.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use store-bought puff pastry for convenience.
- Adjust filling amount to preference.
- Check danishes early to prevent overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: air fryer cherry danish, easy danish recipe, cherry cream cheese pastry